JohnMartinson

Managing Partner and Founder

Office Location:
Lawrenceville, NJ
Email:
jmartinson@edisonventures.com
Phone:
609-873-9201
“Here's the secret to ending recession: more entrepreneurs. Let's finance and guide worthy entrepreneurs that build innovative companies. Small business generates all job growth.”

“Fly, fight and win.” John puts the Air Force mantra into practice for business pursuits. As 18th Distinguished Graduate, core values instilled at the U.S. Air Force Academy apply to his investment style. 

As founder and Managing Partner, Edison invested in 185 companies and exited 110—nurturing and realizing entrepreneurial dreams of many business creators.

As founder and Managing Partner of Edison Ventures, John Martinson shapes the firm's overall investment strategy and co-leads the organization. He mentors rising investment professionals and assists general partners in expanding their regional and industry practices.

John has led investments across numerous information technology sectors. As a board member, he contributes expertise in strategy, marketing and business planning. John created the Edison Director Network, which consists of 160 successful executives who serve on the Board of Directors of Edison investments. 

John guided many East Coast venture industry networking organizations. He is a frequent speaker at entrepreneurial events, technology conferences and financing seminars. 

Prior Experience

With 33 years of venture capital experience, John has served on the Board of Directors of 45 companies. He made multiple investments in application software serving drug industry, education, human resources, manufacturing, engineering and enterprise solutions. 

In 1986, John established Edison Venture Fund, which financed more companies in NJ, PA, NY, MD and VA than any other private equity firm. Edison raised seven partnerships totaling $730 million. Edison invested in 175 companies and exited 110. 

John is past Chairman of both the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and PACT. He is co-founder and former Chairman of the New Jersey Technology Council (NJTC). He served as Chairman of the Mid-Atlantic Venture Fair and founded New Jersey Venture Fair. 

John was selected for the inaugural NJBIZ and NJTC Hall of Fames and was honored as a recipient of NVCA's Service Award. He was recognized as 18th Distinguished Graduate of U.S. Air Force Academy. 

From 1979 to 1986, John was a Principal of the InnoVen Group, a $100 million venture capital fund backed by Anheuser Busch, Emerson Electric and Monsanto. From 1976 to 1979, John managed rapid expansion of Qwip Systems, the facsimile industry pioneer. His venture career began investing with Exxon Enterprises. 

Other Investment Experience

Assessment Systems; Axent; Best Software; CambridgesSoft; Dendrite; Longview Solutions; Marcam; Mathsoft; POMS 

Education

BS, Aeronautical Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy

MS, Astronautics, Purdue University

MBA, Southern Illinois University

Top emerging growth companies have common qualities and expectations that exceed typical standards of success. These companies share rewards among key employees, founders, investors and other contributors. After becoming the leader of a market niche, they then expand into adjacent sectors. Besides technology innovation, these entrepreneurs develop unique business models, effective distribution channels and tailored organization—assembling teams of domain experts with exceptional commitment to client services and team success. The possibilities are endless so set your goals then strive to reach past them.